Preseason Practice Starts Up For Oklahoma Baseball

Jan. 7, 2003

NORMAN, Okla. - Following a shortened fall practice, the 27th-ranked Oklahoma baseball team returned to campus early and hit the field on Tuesday to begin preparations for the upcoming season. The Sooners, who open the season on Feb. 7 at L. Dale Mitchell Park versus Southeast Missouri State, began practicing a little sooner than normal after their fall team practice sessions were cancelled due to poor weather conditions.

In their first day back, the team completed a five hour practice in which they focused on bunt defense, pick offs and some team defense and hitting. The focus this week will continue to be on situational drills before they begin regular scrimmages next week. The team begins hitting the field twice a day on Wednesday for the remainder of the week before classes at the university start up again on Monday.

Head coach Larry Cochell emerged from the team's first workout positive about the players' performance on their first day back.

"The team came back from break in very good shape. They didn't lose a lot from their lay off," said Cochell. "This is a high energy club with a lot of enthusiasm and they have a real desire to win and get better."

Cochell has been especially pleased with the performance of one of his returning players in particular. Matt Arkison suffered a season-ending ankle injury midway through last season and, after having a solid fall workout, continued to perform well in the team's first day back. Cochell complimented the senior outfielder's dedication to recovering and foresees him being an instrumental part of the team this season.

"We're real excited about the progress of Matt after coming off his injury last year. He's going to turn out to be a great player for us," said Cochell.

A key player off last year's NCAA Tournament squad made his first appearance with the team at the practice. Sophomore outfielder Brandon Jones was absent from the squad's fall workouts due to his obligation as one of the university's top wide receivers on the nationally-ranked football team. Jones and his football teammates just returned last Thursday from a 34-14 victory over Washington State in the Rose Bowl.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

Preseason Practice Starts Up For Oklahoma Baseball

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